Core i3-3240 vs Core m5-6Y57

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-3240 vs Core m5-6Y57 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-3240 vs Core m5-6Y57: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-3240

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $149 less on MSRP ($132 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 113.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 8.3 PassMark/$ ($132 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌1122.2% higher power demand at 55W vs 4.5W.

Core m5-6Y57

2015

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 5W instead of 55W, a 51W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,342 vs 2,352).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.3 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240 better than Core m5-6Y57?

Yes. Core i3-3240 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3240 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3240 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-3240 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3240 comes in $149 cheaper on MSRP at $132 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 113.8% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 8.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core m5-6Y57 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3240 vs Core m5-6Y57 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-3240

The Core i3-3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,352 points. Launch price was $75.

Core m5-6Y57

The Core m5-6Y57 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-Y (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,342 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3240 and Core m5-6Y57 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core m5-6Y57 — a 19.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i3-3240 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core m5-6Y57 uses Skylake-Y (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3240 scores 2,352 against the Core m5-6Y57's 2,342 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-3240. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core m5-6Y57.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Core m5-6Y57
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+21%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+209%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Skylake-Y (2015)
PassMark	2,352	2,342

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3240 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core m5-6Y57 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Core m5-6Y57
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3240 was priced at $132, while the Core m5-6Y57 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($132 vs $281), Core i3-3240 was $149 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3240 delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 8.3 pts/$ for the Core m5-6Y57 — making the Core i3-3240 the 72.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Core m5-6Y57
MSRP	$132-53%	$281
Performance per Dollar	17.8+114%	8.3
Release Date	2012	2015

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